Celebrate Great Outdoors Month in Florida State Parks

--Park events encourage Floridians to “Get Active, Get Outdoors!” –

{sidebar id=1}President George W. Bush recently recognized June as Great Outdoors Month, calling on all Americans to “Get Active, Get Outdoors!” To highlight the numerous outdoor recreational programs and activities within Florida State Parks, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is celebrating the month with a variety of events.

“With the start of summer vacations, June is a great time to cool-off in a state park spring, kayak down a river or ride an ocean wave,” said Florida State Parks Director Mike Bullock. “Being active in Florida’s great outdoors is healthy for both the body and the mind.”

Activities during Great Outdoors Month in Florida State Parks include:

Summer Camp on the River, Hillsborough River State Park

June 4-8 & June 11–15, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The summer camp will be a five day adventure into the heart of the Hillsborough River State Park. This day camp is being offered to children 10 to 12 years of age who want to learn about the Hillsborough River Ecosystem and Pine Flatwoods of Florida.

Early Boat Tour, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
June 9, 8:00 a.m.
Enjoy early morning sights and sounds as you cruise the scenic Wakulla River. Stop by afterwards for breakfast at the historic Wakulla Springs Lodge.

Triathlon Series, Lake Louisa State Park
June 9, 8:00 a.m.
Swim in Lake Louisa, bike and run along Park Drive and trails in a triathlon at the park. The Saturday morning races start before 8:00 a.m., and advanced registration is required.

A Day with Nature, Anastasia State Park
June 16, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Come enjoy the natural and cultural treasures the park has to offer, including bird and eco-walks, information booths, seminars, hands on nature crafts, nature games for kids, wholesome music, native plants, and natural foods.

Summer Cycling Series, Lake Louisa State Park
Tuesday evenings in June – 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Bicycle training race series, sanctioned and insured by the United States Cycling Federation. Cyclists complete a fixed number of laps racing along park drive from the Lake Louisa Beach parking lot to the Ranger Station.

The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation’s best state park service, Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country with 160 parks spanning 700,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beach. From swimming and diving in Florida’s rivers and springs to birding and fishing or hiking and riding on natural scenic trails, Florida’s state parks offer year-round outdoor activities for all ages. Battle reenactments and Native American festivals celebrate Florida’s unique history, while art shows, museums and lighthouses offer a window into Florida’s cultural heritage.

For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

This article originally published on June 3, 2007.

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